Prospects for IL-16 in the treatment of AIDS

Abstract

IL-16 is a multi-functional cytokine that uses CD4 as a receptor to signal diverse biological activities by target cells including T-lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils. IL-16 has been shown to repress HIV-1 infection in lymphocytes and monocytic cells and it is active against both laboratory and naturally acquired virus isolates. In lymphocytes, the repressive effect of IL-16 occurs at the level of virus transcription, while it appears to inhibit viral entry in monocytic cells. Clinical studies comparing serum IL-16 levels with the state of HIV-1 disease suggest that this cytokine is a functionally significant endogenous antiviral factor. The antiviral activity of IL-16 may be of therapeutic benefit in HIV/AIDS but its greatest potential is for immune reconstitution. Stimulation of CD4+ T-cells with IL-16 primes cells to respond to IL-2, by upregulating the expression of IL-2 receptor p75 (CD25). Co-treatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with IL-16 plus IL-2 (or IL-15) in vitro selectively expands the population of CD4+ T-cells. Clinical trials of recombinant IL-2 have already shown promise in HIV/AIDS. In combination with IL-16, the beneficial effects of IL-2 may be augmented and specifically targeted to CD4+ T-cells. Thus, IL-16 shows considerable promise as an agent for the biological therapy of HIV/AIDS.